The Green Party of Canada has released a new election-themed graphic taking aim at the leaders of rival parties, but for some reason co-leader Jonathan Pedneault is nowhere to be seen; the graphic features May as the Green Party’s sole leader. This is despite Pedneault’s official confirmation as co-leader on Monday, raising further questions about how much power Pedneault actually holds—or if he’s even being recognized as a leader at all.
The image, titled “Election Season Starter Pack,” presents satirical takes on Canada’s major political parties. May is shown representing the Greens, while leaders of the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP, Bloc, and People’s Party are also featured. The Liberal portion of the graphic features two leadership candidates – yet nowhere in the graphic does Pedneault appear, despite being the party’s supposed co-leader.
This key omission is just the latest instance of Pedneault’s conspicuous absence from key party messaging. As previous Global Green News coverage has documented, Pedneault was excluded from a major meeting of federal party leaders, raising doubts about whether he is actually being treated as an equal partner in leadership.
A Pattern of Being Pushed Aside
Pedneault’s sidelining is not just happening in visuals—his actual role within the party seems increasingly symbolic. At his first official press conference as co-leader, May repeatedly dominated the stage, speaking both before and after Pedneault answered each question. At one point, she even stepped in front of him at the podium, a moment that left some observers questioning whether she was willing to let him have any real leadership role.
This absence from party communications in his first weeks back on the job only fuels speculation that May is still running the show alone—despite the party’s claims that co-leadership represents a new, collaborative approach.
Co-Leadership in Name Only?
The Green Party has faced internal criticism over May’s reluctance to share power, with some members arguing that co-leadership is merely a branding exercise rather than a functional partnership. Global Green News previously reported on May’s dominant presence at the press conference announcing Pedneault’s return, as well as her history of consolidating control over party decisions.
With Pedneault now two days into his role as confirmed co-leader, his absence from major party materials and statements suggests he may already be taking a backseat—whether by choice or by design.
Off To A Bad Start..
For a party that touts co-leadership as a way to modernize its governance and foster inclusivity, its actions tell a very different story. The question now is: Will Pedneault ever step into the spotlight, or is he destined to remain May’s silent second-in-command?
Pedneault’s return to co-leadership is off to a rough start, with mounting criticisms overshadowing his supposed fresh beginning. Just days after being officially confirmed, he was called out by former Green Party President Lorraine Rekmans, who slammed his controversial tweet about Canada’s founding for failing to acknowledge the realities of colonialism and Indigenous sovereignty. As previously reported by Global Green News, Rekmans condemned Pedneault’s remarks as “clueless” and lacking any real political awareness, especially for someone who claims to be a human rights advocate. This latest misstep, combined with his continued absence from party messaging and promotional materials, raises serious doubts about whether Pedneault is prepared—or even allowed—to take on a real leadership role.
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